Perfect (if a little coolish) fall weather, loads of great music, and loads of fun to meet a bunch of new folks. The Shellback Chorus--individually and collectively--was a delight. They have SUCH fun when they sing, and it's infectious. Lots of fine individual singers (Noreen, for one, wowed 'em in the Saturday night concert), and scads of good songs. Their Cinderella skit in the Sunday night concert(with guest actor Alaska Mike Campbell as Prince Charming and Colin Hume [ColK] as the ugly stepsister)was a real hoot (watch this space for the blackmail photos).

The Missing Person Soup Kitchen Gospel Quartet was sensational, as was 16-year-old ballad singer Elizabeth LaPrell.

When he's not moonlighting as Prince Charming in Shellback skits,Alaska Mike is a fine songwriter and singer. If you can find them, he has three CDs with many of his terrific songs. I was particularly moved by his "First Kill," the song of a whaler whose first--and only--kill changes his life. That gem appears on his "Sculptor" CD.

Kendall Morse and Bob Zentz were also among the special guests--more terrific songs and stories. And that's just the invited guests. Add to that the many talented singers and pickers from FSGW and Mudcat who attended and participated as campers, and you have the age-old problem of too many songs and too little time.

Our Own Max was on hand with his family, looking happy and well. His baby daughter (Lilly) is gorgeous and charmed everyone instantly.

Tinker has documented the whole thing on video, and many folks (including Max) took photos that will probably show up here soon. Thanks to all who made the 39th Getaway one to remember.
Kathy (who left earlier than Nancy, and therefore got more sleep)